nancyogc

I just read a thread where volcanochick, tully and shillmack (sp?) all said that regular running shoes are fine for hiking. I can't find it now, but I read one that said you have to have waterproof and no webbing (like running shoes) so the ants can't get in.

I will be in south osa and MA. I would be very happy to not have to buy any and just wear my running shoes. Whadaya think?

Cattail

What time of year?

nancyogc

I will be leaving Saturday!!!

Sorry, volcanoGIRL

volcanogirl

Nancy, I think you morphed me and hipvirgochick! I do wear running shoes on the trails wherever we go. If we go somewhere beachy, I wear Keen's but for regular hiking, running shoes have always worked for me. I have gotten some red Osa mud on them, but they've worked fine. I pack plastic bags for anything that gets muddy.

nancyogc

That's exactly what I did! OK, no new kicks for me.

Thank you

tully

I've even hiked in Crocs, so running shoes will be fine. Just don't forget one of the main rules - when you stop to watch, or listen, or rest, first thing is to always look down and around where you are standing. Was out walking one day with someone who lives down there and we stopped to look at a pair of toucans. She realized a second too late she was standing in the path of army ants and chastized herself for forgetting the rule. hip knows about this too

globetrots

The main reasons to wear hiking boots are 1) ankle support and 2) waterproofing. If you don't have those issues to deal with, running (or better "trail running") shoes will usually work if you're not clambering over rocks or walking on sharp lava stone.

shillmac

Never had that problem with ants, lots of CR hiking. Tully makes a strong point, though. Be aware! You'll do fine with what you have, just enjoy every moment! And report when you get back!

ShellD

Our whole family, including the kids, have worn Keens for all our hiking. But we haven't done any strenous hiking - just the average trails. They've worked fine. They're closed toe, which is nice. I've seen people wear them with socks too - but I haven't.

Have fun!

hipvirgochick

I almost always hike in my Keen's, even over rocks and such. I find I have more grip and flex. Either way, it doesn't matter what type of shoes you wear in the case of ants. If you stop on an ant hill they will make it to your ankles fast so just keep your eyes open. I would wear something else maybe on trails with lots of debris or uncleared leaves, although I've been pretty lax with this too, if you want to be more protected from snakes.

vgirl - Too funny. I guess that makes me hipvirgogirl. ;-)

MavEryck

Hello,

I am very glad to stumble upon (no pun intended) this forum regarding footwear. My friend Mig is heading down to Costa Rica Thursday and I will arrive next Tuesday. Now I have a much better idea of what to bring with me. We will only be doing some light hiking on our trip. I really want to see the rainforest however, most of our trip will probably involve the beach and swimming around in the Ocean.

If any of you will be in Costa Rica this month then feel free to contact me.

Mig Dec 10- Jan 10
Mav Dec 15- Dec 27th

volcanogirl

hip, I like it, and there's no one I'd rather morph with!

shillmac

I didn't catch that. Cute!